Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Celebrating 50 Years of Adventures Through Space and TIme

It was on the 23rd of November 1963, at 5.15pm, that Doctor Whomade its debut. About 25 minutes later the 4.4 million people who were tuned to BBC Television saw the TARDIS take off for the very first time. Television history was made and cemented four weeks later when the most fearsome sink-plunger in the universe made it's first appearance and Dalekmania seized the UK.

This November marks 50 years since Doctor Who made its debut. To have lasted 26 years as the classic series did is a remarkable achievement. To still be on air 50 years after it began and arguably more popular than ever is something few TV series have done. To date eleven actors have played the role of the Doctor, with a twelfth joining their distinguished ranks when Peter Capaldi takes over from Matt Smith on Christmas Day. Incidentally at 55, Peter Capaldi is exactly the same age William Hartnell was when he first set foot on the TARDIS in 1963. Spooky, eh?

While we wait for the screening of the anniversary special The Day of the Doctor why not delve into Doctor Who's past and present with the great range of materials held by Hurstville Library. Explore the 50th Anniversary Collection featuring stories of all eleven Doctors or watch DVDs of the classic adventures, The Twin Dilemma and Lost in Timewhich contails all the "orphaned" episodes. The soon to be released The Vault; the official history of the show's production will be a must read. There's something for all Doctor Who fans at Hurstville Library.